Measurement of Odour Concentration of Immissions using a New Field Olfactometer and Markers' Chemical Analysis

A novel field olfactometer, Scentroid SM110 (IDES Canada Inc., 2012), based on a new technology, has been tested in comparison with another portable olfactometer, Nasal Ranger (St. Croix Sensory Inc., 2003). Responses of both devices during a measurement campaign were compared with odour predicted values by a dispersion model and with chemical data of emission marker’s analysis. The measurement test was performed in an anaerobic digestion plant located near Vicenza (Italy) and one typical odour source was a biofilter with an emission of 350 ouE/m3. The objective of this study is to compare different techniques (field olfactometry, marker’s analysis, dispersion model) for assessing the concentration of odour in ambient air. The analysis of results shows a clear and measurable influence of background odour in ambient air, resulting in higher odour levels when measured using field olfactometry than is predicted using chemical analysis or dispersion modeling. Furthermore, a good agreement was found between chemical data and predicted values from CALPUFF dispersion model.